Why I want to write fiction

I have written a lot of non-fiction in my life. Documentation, tutorials, sales brochures, reports and more. Since I was a teenager I’ve wanted to write a novel, and recently I did. That novel is very rough, naive in so many ways, and probably needs a full rewrite.

I am continuing to write non-fiction, but while I am do so, I’m studying writing fiction, and as an exercise I wrote the following as a reason why I want to write:

When readers read my novels, I want them to feel like they have a more informed outlook on life. That’s because, to me, novels are storytelling and storytelling has, since the dawn of time, been a way to pass on insight and knowledge from one generation to the next.

I’ve re-read this a few times and it reminds me that what I love to do is help others learn and it’s reinvigorated me to actually write more non-fiction. As a matter of fact, it’s caused me to question if I should write fiction at all.

I’m by no means calling it quits, primarily because I’m filled with ideas for novels. However, I am going to be patient, and work at the craft and continue to write. I’m not afraid to fail, so I will keep trying, and each time I will get back up and try again.